Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese is a hearty and cheesy recipe, which is made with lean ground beef and a tangy tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate one-pan comfort food, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Make Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese

1. Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Create the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Macaroni: Pour the beef broth and the uncooked elbow macaroni into the skillet. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet and let it cook for 9–10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, directly from the skillet.

Recipe Tips

• How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy? Don’t overcook it. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, so keep an eye on it and test it at the 9-minute mark. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
• What’s the best cheese to use? A good quality sharp cheddar that you shred yourself will provide the best flavor and the creamiest melt. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain starches that can make the sauce grainy.
• Can I make this less sweet? Yes. The sweetness comes from the ketchup and brown sugar. You can reduce the brown sugar or use a ketchup with no added sugar to suit your taste.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Small shells, rotini, or cavatappi would also work well in this one-pan dish, as they are great for catching the cheesy sauce.

What To Serve With Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese

This is a very hearty, all-in-one meal that doesn’t need much else. It pairs well with simple, fresh sides.

• A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• A side of pickles or coleslaw

How To Store Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions.

Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Loaf Recipe